The Burns Blog

When a residential development reaches completion, it is easy to think the hardest work is over. The building is finished, purchasers are moving in and the developer is preparing to move on to the next project. In reality, the first year of occupation is often the point at which a development’s long-term reputation is shaped. This is the period when residents form their first impressions, service charge expectations are tested, defects and snagging issues come to light and th

The UK rental market has entered a new era with the introduction of Assured Periodic Tenancies (APTs), replacing Assured Shorthold Tenancies as the standard form of tenancy agreement. The changes have placed a greater emphasis on compliance, tenant selection, and long-term tenancy management, encouraging landlords to take a more considered approach when letting their properties. For our landlord, Sarah, who owns a two-bedroom apartment in a popular residential area, these cha

The UK lettings market in 2026 remains one of the most dynamic areas of the property sector, characterised by strong tenant demand, evolving landlord strategies, and new opportunities for growth. While the sales market has steadied, the rental sector continues to demonstrate resilience, underpinned by ongoing affordability challenges for homebuyers and a sustained need for high-quality rental homes. Demand from tenants remains consistently high across much of the country, wit

Commonhold is often described as a simpler, fairer way of owning a flat and it is rapidly moving back into focus as proposals look to replace leasehold as the default tenure for new developments. At its simplest, commonhold allows flat owners to own their property outright on a freehold basis, with no lease expiry and no landlord sitting above them. Instead, owners collectively own and manage the shared areas through a commonhold association. On paper, the advantages are clea

At Burns Hamilton, expertise is built on more than experience alone -it comes from a fully integrated approach to letting and property management that allows us to advise clients with clarity, confidence, and foresight. This structure enables us to look beyond individual issues and provide expert guidance that reflects the wider legal and operational landscape. A key reason clients seek advice from Burns is our designated in‑house legal team, ensuring that guidance is not onl

If you are a Director of a resident led building, you are ultimately responsible for decisions that affect its safety, condition, and finances - often alongside a full-time job. The quality of your Managing Agent doesn’t just affect day-to-day administration; it determines how confident you can feel in those decisions, and how well your building is protected for the long term. At Burns Hamilton, we regularly work with Directors of Resident Management Companies and Right t

The Renters’ Rights Act is often defined by its headline reforms; the abolition of Section 21, the move to periodic tenancies, and increased tenant protections. However, the true impact lies beneath the surface, in the operational detail that will fundamentally reshape how landlords manage their properties. For many, this is where uncertainty begins. At Burns Hamilton, it is where preparation is already well underway. One of the most significant changes will be the introduc

Summary of building safety requirements for a building

The response to last month’s column showed one thing clearly: landlords want clarity on the Renters’ Rights Act, and they want it now. With the biggest reforms in a generation landing on 1 May 2026, including the end of Section 21 and all ASTs becoming open‑ended periodic tenancies, the sector is about to shift. Most landlords know the headlines. But the real impact and the real opportunities lie in the details. Here are the three areas forward‑thinking landlords are already

If you’re a leaseholder, you’ve almost certainly asked the question: “Why are our service charges so high?” It’s one of the most common concerns raised and one that often comes down to the services contained within a building and how well the property is maintained. A frequent misconception is that service charges are income for the managing agent - they are not. Service charges are ring‑fenced funds collected solely for the running, safety, maintenance and long‑term protect

A summary of the benefits and characteristics of a good Managing Agent

The rental landscape is changing — and for landlords, preparation is everything. With the proposed Renters’ Rights Bill set to bring significant reforms to the private rented sector, now is the time to understand what these changes could mean for you and your property portfolio. The Bill is expected to introduce sweeping updates, including the abolition of Section 21 “no fault” evictions, changes to tenancy structures, and strengthened tenant protections. While the intention